AURA has created a budget document for groups to use to determine how much money they need to raise and to plan out their support.
Download a budget template
In some cases, AURA can create a simple disbursement schedule. This may be more practical for some sponsors, such as family sponsor groups.
Download a disbursement schedule template
Budgeting Considerations:
| • Each sponsorship is unique, there is no “one size fits all” budget. | • BVORs will receive 6 months of financial support from RAP |
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| • Sponsorship is a contractual obligation with rules around the minimum financial requirements, but your job is to ensure the newcomer’s basic needs are met. | • Many start-up items can be provided in-kind instead of purchased new, such as furniture, clothing, household items etc. |
| • Be careful not to provide too much financial support that will set newcomers up for a difficult post-sponsorship transition. | • Personal items (mattresses, footwear, personal clothing) should not be provided second hand. |
| • Avoid creating a relationship of dependency by providing a monthly amount that far exceeds what they might earn/receive after the sponsorship. If you have enough money, consider paying for certain specific additional programs/expenses that will have long-term benefits. | • Sponsored refugees have the right to self-determination, including in their finances. This means that while you must provide financial support – you cannot control or micro-manage how they use it. You can only provide as much support in these areas as they allow. |
| • Families with children will receive Canada Child Benefit payments (about $500/child/month). However, CCB cannot be counted as if it were money coming from sponsor support. | • Regardless of how many donations your group can get, newcomers must be provided with some start-up money so they can choose and buy new items. |
| • Families with many children will receive a large CCB, which may enable you to provide a monthly amount closer to RAP rates. However, you can never go below RAP rates because of CCB. | • Strive for a structure where newcomers receive the same amount every month, and pay their rent, expenses etc. directly, themselves. |
| • CCB applications can take a few months to process, and the first payment will be retroactive. You must budget, explain, and support accordingly. | • The financial structures you develop will depend on the financial literacy and experience of the people you sponsor and the extent to which they welcome your involvement – every case is different. |
| • Some sponsors loan funds equivalent to CCB to a family while they are waiting for their CCB to be processed. If you do this, be sure to document it with a signed agreement. | • Shortly after arrival, meet to discuss the budget with the newcomers, including where funds came from, how you determined the monthly amounts, ensuring bills are paid, and how you can best work together to balance financial support with enabling self-sufficiency and independence. |
| • Newcomers should know how much money they will get: when, how, and from whom. Avoid surprises! | • When a child turns 18, CCB payments end. Children over 18 must receive their own financial support for basic needs and communication. Plan and budget accordingly. |
| • AURA sponsors are encouraged to repay part or all of the Immigration Travel Loan to the Government of Canada on behalf of newcomers - usually $1,200-$1,500 per person - especially for families who may struggle to repay it on their own. | • Be prepared if a child will turn 18 before arrival or during the sponsorship. Ensure the parent knows well in advance how much their monthly support will decrease or change. |